Big news for Nevada: the U.S. Army has picked our state’s Army National Guard to stand up a brand-new mobile infantry battalion.
That means more jobs, more training, and a stronger role for Nevada in keeping America safe.
Brig. Gen. Randy Lau, Nevada Army National Guard land component commander, called it a “major milestone” for the Guard. He said the decision shows Nevada’s proven “excellence in manning, versatility and combat readiness.”
In plain terms, our Guard has been doing things right, and now Washington is giving them a bigger seat at the table.
Why the Army Picked Nevada
The Army is reorganizing. Under its “Transformation Initiative,” the Pentagon is cutting the number of heavy armored brigades down to 13.
Instead of focusing on tanks, the military wants more mobile infantry that can move quickly and respond anywhere in the world.
Nevada’s own 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry out of Las Vegas will be part of this transition.
Instead of operating tanks, they’ll shift to Infantry Squad Vehicles; nine-passenger rigs built on the Chevy Colorado ZR2 platform. These are lighter, more agile, and can be picked up and flown straight into action by Chinook helicopters.
Chief Warrant Officer David Bouse explained why this matters: “It keeps Nevada relevant and in the forefront of large-scale combat operations, specifically for operations in the U.S. Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.”
Translation: Nevada troops will be part of the front line if America ever needs to respond to threats from adversaries in the Pacific.
Jobs and Opportunities
This shift is also about opportunities for Nevada families. It could mean about 300 new Guard positions right here in the Silver State.
Recruiting will likely focus on Las Vegas, where the Clark County Armory will serve as headquarters.
More soldiers also means more training, which benefits the state in emergencies like floods, fires, or civil disasters.
With mobile infantry skills, our Guard will be better equipped to protect Nevada communities, not just fight overseas.
Tradition Meets Transition
One concern for Guard members has been whether the switch to infantry means losing their cavalry heritage.
In a recent meeting with Idaho’s Army National Guard, officers from both states agreed to keep traditions alive. The “Wild Horse” call sign and cavalry honors will remain, even as soldiers trade in tanks for infantry vehicles.
As Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Prosser put it at a Reno conference, “This is not about the equipment, it’s not about the platform; it’s about the concept and structure.”
In other words, it’s the soldiers themselves who make the difference, not just what they’re driving.
Preparing for Threats in the Pacific
Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, who oversees the entire Army National Guard, has been urging states to prepare for what he calls “large-scale combat operations.”
In his Minuteman Campaign Plan, he wrote, “We must immediately and decisively train towards that threat.”
For conservatives who believe in a strong national defense, this move shows that America is getting serious about real threats, not just political talking points.
With global instability rising, the U.S. can’t afford to fall behind. And Nevada is stepping up.
The Debate Over Tanks vs. Infantry
Some critics argue that shifting resources from armored brigades to lighter infantry could weaken America’s heavy combat punch. Others worry about the cost of retooling entire units.
But Guard leaders insist this is about making forces more flexible, not weaker.
And for Nevada, the benefits are hard to ignore: more jobs, more training, and a stronger role in defending the nation.
A Big Win for Nevada and Its Troops
Gen. Lau made sure to thank the troops who made this possible. “Your tireless coordination, planning, and execution made this possible,” he said.
“This is a major milestone—not just for the unit, but for the entire Nevada Army National Guard.”
It’s not every day that Nevada makes national defense headlines – but this week, the infantry is coming to Nevada. And that’s something every Nevadan can take pride in.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
